What happens when the moment that you have been preparing for years finally arrives? All negative and self-defeatist thoughts come to mind, like, what if I don’t clear the exam? Will I be able to complete the test in a given time? Etc.
It is natural to feel a little nervous and anxious about the impending exam. But, apart from the actual studies, it is also important to take care of yourselves, both physically and mentally, during the course of the GD exam preparation. This article aims to give a quick run-through of things you should be mindful of just before and during the examination.
It is important for candidates to know that the Staff Selection Commission has released the latest exam calendar, which notifies that SSC GD Notification 2022 for the General Duty Constable exam will be announced on 22 February 2023. The exam for SSC GD will take place by June 2023. Hence, aspirants who are between the age of 18 to 27 years should prepare themselves well in advance to apply and appear for the exam.
During the course of preparation and while the exams are on top of the head, there are certain do’s and don’ts that candidates are required to follow for effective preparation and exam taking. Let’s head on to the pointer.
Do’s & Don’ts for SSC GD Exam and Preparation
- Most important is staying calm and relaxed. To remain calm on the day of the examination is only possible if you remain calm and de-stressed in the days leading up to the examination. Do not panic, or you will not be able to recollect and think properly and logically, which is necessary to do well in the exam. You would probably be going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In case you feel the exam is not going your way, focus on the positives and see what questions you know and can answer. If you have worked hard and smart, there is no reason for you to worry incessantly. Success will find you if you’ve done your part.
- Keep all the essentials ready. Candidates should remember to take a printout of the admit card from the official website of the Staff Selection Commission. Make sure your photograph is clearly visible on it. In fact, SSC provides important instructions, along with the e-admit card, and candidates are advised to read the important instructions carefully and adhere to them. Along with the admit card, candidates are advised to carry a valid government ID Proof, such as Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, driving licence, etc. Also, ensure you have adequate stationery for the exam.
- Take your own wristwatch. It is advisable to wear an analogue wristwatch so that you can always be aware of how much time has passed and how much is left. This way, you will not be dependent on the invigilator to assist you with the time. The exam conducting body allows you to take your own watch but not the smart or digital watches.
- Sleep well the night before the examination day. It helps you to wake up all fresh and raring to go. It is natural not to get sleep one night before D-day, but try to sleep. Do not stay awake for too long a night before the examination, as it may make you lazy and sleepy on the day of the exam. Do all it takes to get a good night’s rest. This is important if you want to perform to the best of your abilities.
- Check the route to your exam centre and arrive early. Try visiting the exam centre a day before the examination to check the travel route and the time it would take to reach there. This will help you get familiar with the route that you need to take the next day. You should have some extra time so that you can find your room and seat number at ease. Hence, it is better to arrive earlier rather than make a last-minute entry or be late and not be allowed to take the exam.
- Eating healthy and less the night before is advisable. Eat light and healthy in the days leading up to the examination, and don’t change your eating habit drastically. If possible, don’t eat any outside food. Eat in smaller chunks and snack in short intervals. Adding fruits and veggies would be a good idea. You do not want to have an upset stomach.
- Do more revision and less studying for new topics. Revising something that you have studied before would yield greater benefits rather than starting to read something that is absolutely new to you. If you do not remember something that you have studied, do not panic. Focus on what you know and recall. If you are calm, you will recollect them during the exam. No need to engage in hard studies at this crucial juncture if you have studied properly during preparation.
- Read the question paper properly. It is advised that candidates should do a quick reading of the full question paper as and when they get it in the examination hall. Check whether all the sheets have been printed correctly. This will also enable you to get an idea of all the questions that you can sail through easily.
- Attempt those questions first that you are sure of. While skimming through the question paper, candidates will get a fair idea of all those questions that they can solve in less time. Perhaps, they should try and solve such questions and then capitalise the remaining time on the questions that demand more time and brain.
- Do not get indulged in thinking or talking to your friends about what they have and have not completed. This is the biggest reason for anxiety. Instead of discussing the syllabus completed or paper after the exam with friends and family members, it is advisable that you relax a bit and go through the important formulae and methods that you have learned, which can help crack the different sections.
At the end of the day, please remember that this is only an examination, and regardless of how you perform, you shouldn’t feel demotivated. All the above-mentioned points will help a candidate reach the exam centre with a fresh mind, with no confusion and also boost their confidence before the exam is held. Aspirants of the SSC GD exam can go through the SSC GD Syllabus 2022 on the linked page for comprehensive preparation.
